Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively applying, a material to a target moving along a path is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one detector for identifying an upstream position of the target; a dispenser spaced downstream from the detector by an offset distance, the dispenser configured for selectively releasing material to contact the target; a velocity sensor for creating a velocity signal proportional to a velocity of the target; and a controller for selectively varying the offset distance in response to the velocity signal.

Abstract: A water filter system for use in refrigerators having water dispenser and/or icemaker features. The filter system includes a commercially available filter cartridge which removes common water contaminants. A shut off valve temporarily stops the flow of water to the filter to permit replacement of the cartridge. The filter is disposed within the refrigerator for easy access and may be further disposed in a recess in one of the refrigerator walls or the refrigerator door to avoid reducing the useable food storage volume. The shut off valve may be closed by activating a conveniently located switch, by opening the refrigerator door, by opening a cover over the recess, or alternatively may be normally closed and opened only in response to activation of the icemaker or water dispenser features.

Abstract: An independently powered safety device for use in a cooking device having a heating element and a cooking surface. The safety device includes a pair of lamps, one of which is disposed below the heating element and another which is disposed adjacent the cooking surface. The safety device also includes a temperature probe that is coupled above the heating element. When the cooking device is turned on, the heating element becomes hot and the lamp disposed below the heating element instantly illuminates. The temperature probe senses the heating element's temperature. In response to the heating element reaching a predetermined temperature, the probe enables the lamp adjacent the heating surface to illuminate. That lamp remains illuminated until the cooking device is turned off and the heating element cools. The lamp adjacent the heating surface is independently powered and remains illuminated regardless of whether or not power is provided to the heating element.

Abstract: A covered microwave cooking vessel or cake/bread baker for browning a food body. A microwave absorbing material, comprising separated layers of ferrite, absorbs microwave energy to provide heat for heating the food body by conduction, thermal radiation and convection. The cover and bottom of the cooking vessel may also be used as individual browning utensils.

Abstract: A utensil for cooking or baking in a microwave oven. The utensil includes a partitioned tray and cover which are held in substantially fixed horizontal alignment by a microwave transparent base. The tray and cover are metallic and shield the interior there defined from microwave energy. A ferrite layer on the underside of the tray absorbs microwave energy to provide heat which conducts through the tray to the cooking compartments. The utensil can be used to fry and bake different foods simultaneous without intermixing the respective juices. Apertures in the cover provide for the escape of steam from the interior of the utensil.

Abstract: A microwave pizza maker including a metallic pan, a metallic cover, and a microwave transparent base for removably supporting the pan and cover in spaced overlap alignment forming a partial microwave choke between the side of the pan and a peripheral region of the cover. A layer containing ferrite particles is attached to the undersurface of the pan to absorb microwave energy and produce heat for conduction to the interior defined by the pan and the cover. The base has legs so that the pan is elevated at least an inch above the floor of the oven. The support surface for the pan consists of a plurality of protrusions or spacers to provide a small surface contact area to minimize heat transfer from the pan to the base. The spacers may be fabricated from a different material than the remainder of the base and connected thereto.

Abstract: An appliance for heating seeds, nuts, grains and the like such as popcorn kernels, for example, by means of microwave radiation, comprising a bowl which is transparent to microwave energy and which has in its lower region an area of restricted size for holding unheated seeds in a clump, the area of the bowl above the restricted area being larger to allow heated seeds to expand, and means for directing the microwave energy upon the clump of seeds.

Abstract: A two level turntable adapted for use in a microwave oven. The top level platform which may include a roasting rack is removably supported above the bottom level by a plurality of columns. The bottom level platform has a shaft that extends downwardly through an aperture in a microwave shielding enclosure to a motor. The motor components consisting of a coil spring and a braking mechanism are mounted in substantially the same horizontal plane to provide a relatively low vertical profile. Although the low profile is important when the bottom level platform is used by itself, it is even more important when the top level platform is mounted on top. The shielding enclosure which includes a pan shaped bottom has a downwardly bent lip from the lid to provide a low microwave field region adjacent to the connection of the pan and lid.

Abstract: A microwave egg cooking utensil having a microwave transparent container for water, a metal tray with at least one depression for holding the egg, and a metal lid. Both the tray and the lid are supported by a lip of the container such that there is a small gap between the outer perimeter edge of the tray and the inner surface of the lid. The combination of the tray and the lid provides substantial microwave shielding of the interior there defined; the separation of these metal parts prevents arcing therebetween. It is preferable that the edge of the tray be raised from the lip so that the small gap is not filled with condensation which would minimize the effect of the gap. The water in the container is heated to boiling by radiation of microwave energy. The steam heats the tray and the egg cooks by conduction rather than by microwave radiation.

Abstract: A microwave corn popper having means for dispensing butter during or shortly subsequent to the corn popping process, and comprising a chamber containing the corn kernels to be popped and having a cover with a recess in which is disposed a butter container, whereby the butter in the container is heated by the same microwave source as the kernels and consequently is melted during the popping process.

Abstract: An appliance for heating seeds, nuts, grains and the like such as popcorn kernels, for example, by means of microwave radiation, comprising a bowl which is transparent to microwave energy and which has in its lower region an area of restricted size for holding unheated seeds in a clump, the area of the bowl above the restricted area being larger to allow heated seeds to expand, and means for directing the microwave energy upon the clump of seeds.